(PERFORMANCE ART). (PAVLOVA, Anna). [Program and ephemera related to Anna Pavlova's farewell tour in the United States].

Anna Pavlova's Final US Tour

(PERFORMANCE ART). (PAVLOVA, Anna). [Program and ephemera related to Anna Pavlova's farewell tour in the United States]. (New York and Chicago: Rogers & Company, [1924]) [16 pp.] (316 x 238 mm.) Original dark green textured boards, upper cover with large embossed gilt plaque and signature of Anna Pavlova. Illustrated throughout with photographic reproductions. Light rubbing to gilt and minor signs of handling; photo with light edge wear and a small pen mark. Near fine overall.

A lovely trio of items celebrating the Russian prima ballerina, including a souvenir program, performance program, and an early sepia-toned silver print of Pavlova in costume.

One of the most iconic ballet dancers of the 20th century, Anna Pavlova (1881-1931) was a principal artist at the Imperial Russian Ballet and the Ballets Russes, and is particularly renowned for originating the role of The Dying Swan. Pavlova formed her own independent dance company in 1913, touring extensively worldwide.

The present souvenir program was created for her "Farewell Tour" of the United States in 1924-25. It includes photographs of Pavlova performing various roles, as well as details about the repertoire (which included some of her most famous dances) and company members (particularly Laurent Novikoff and Alexandre Volinine). The souvenir program is accompanied by paper program, published for Pavlova's performance at the Columbia Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona, as well as a photograph of Pavlova in her role as "Amarilla," taken by Herman Mishkin (with his copyright signature in the negative) in New York, probably around 1910.  (1187)